Off the beaten track

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It doesn't look like any conventional digital camera we've seen. Its barrel shape and swivel handle are straight out of a video camera design book and this is very intentional.

The 3.2-megapixel Pentax OptioMX is a hybrid of digital still and video, the latter recorded in MPEG-4 format at an admirable rate of 30 frames per second with audio. It's better than video clips captured on regular digital cameras and you can use the zoom while recording (most digital cameras lock the zoom). However, it's not going to threaten the camcorder market any time soon.

Providing the action isn't happening too fast, video clips are impressively smooth and detailed. There are three resolution options in video mode topping out at 640 x 480 and with two different frame rates to choose from (30 and 15fps).

A one-touch button starts recording video immediately without having to switch modes manually.

One annoying characteristic is that the autofocus tends to hunt around a lot and is easily thrown off by other objects around the edge of the frame. You end up with a lot of out-of-focus footage.

There's a similar problem with the digital still side of things. The OptioMX takes its time locking onto a shot. Depress the shutter halfway to lock the focus and you could be waiting a good three seconds before anything happens, depending on the lighting condition. Most moving subjects would be out of frame by the time the camera decides to take the shot. It's a real shame, as the image quality is very good.

Because the OptioMX is intended for video, you'll need plenty of memory. A 512MB SD card bundle is available with the camera for $899, which is recommended. Improved responsiveness would see the OptioMX become a real killer of a cross-over camera.